Salah’s AFCON Absence Could Influence Liverpool’s January Plans
Liverpool are once again preparing for a crucial winter without their star forward Mohamed Salah, who is set to captain Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The tournament begins on December 21, and depending on Egypt’s progress, Salah could miss as many as eight matches for Arne Slot’s side. This includes high-profile Premier League fixtures against Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal – a tough blow for a team looking to regain form after a challenging start to the season.
Salah’s absence, while familiar, is always significant. His influence remains vital, even in periods where his personal form dips. Liverpool have navigated similar situations before, notably during the 2021 and 2023 AFCON tournaments, when other key players were also unavailable due to international commitments.
However, this year’s edition presents an intriguing opportunity for Liverpool in the transfer market according to the Echo — one centred on Bournemouth’s in-form attacker, Antoine Semenyo.
Semenyo’s Form and Ghana’s Shock Omission
Semenyo’s progress at Bournemouth has not gone unnoticed. Since joining the Cherries from Bristol City in a £10 million deal, the 25-year-old has developed into a dynamic forward capable of troubling any Premier League defence. His blend of pace, strength and finishing has been a constant threat for opposition sides.
Yet what could prove decisive for potential suitors this winter is Ghana’s surprise failure to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations. The Black Stars, a team that traditionally dominate African football, finished bottom of their qualifying group — their first absence from the tournament since 2004.
This outcome means Semenyo will remain available for Bournemouth throughout the festive and early New Year fixtures. It also makes him a rare Premier League forward without international disruption during the AFCON period — a detail that has not gone unnoticed by Liverpool’s recruitment team.
Homegrown Advantage and Transfer Appeal
Semenyo’s profile fits several of Liverpool’s recruitment needs. Born in Chelsea, he qualifies as a homegrown player under Premier League rules — a factor that significantly enhances his appeal. Currently, Liverpool’s 24-man league squad contains only five senior homegrown players, leaving them one short of the maximum 25-player registration.
The issue extends to Europe too. In their Champions League squad, Liverpool were limited to 22 players after restrictions on non-homegrown registrations forced them to omit Federico Chiesa earlier in the campaign. Although Chiesa has since been reinstated due to injury-related adjustments, the episode highlighted the squad’s fragile balance in registration terms.
Semenyo, therefore, offers a dual advantage: availability during Salah’s absence and compliance with homegrown quotas. Should Liverpool progress to the Champions League knockout phase, they would be permitted to register up to three new players. Adding Semenyo would not require sacrificing an existing squad member — an administrative bonus that could smooth any potential mid-season move.
Slot’s Dilemma and Potential January Strategy
The question now is whether Arne Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes see Semenyo as a viable target in January. Hughes, notably, was the man who brought Semenyo to Bournemouth in 2023, and that prior relationship could simplify negotiations.
Liverpool’s January transfer windows have often been strategic rather than reactionary, but Salah’s absence presents a familiar problem. In previous years, the club opted for short-term reinforcement or internal solutions, yet the landscape may be shifting. Semenyo’s Premier League readiness, coupled with his homegrown status, makes him a compelling case for investment.
Whether a deal materialises remains uncertain, but the logic is clear. Ghana’s AFCON omission, combined with Liverpool’s squad composition challenges, has aligned to create a window of opportunity. As speculation grows, Semenyo’s situation could represent one of the more understated yet influential transfer stories of the January market.
